Rating:  Summary: Outstanding Review: The Da Vinci Code is the best book I have read in recent memory. From the first page Brown enthralls you in a mystery involving an ancient religious order, the Vatican, and a secret society which has been headed by famed people such as Da Vinci, Boticelli, and others. The book is, without giving too much away, about a quest for the Holy Grail and the age-old conflict between science and religion. As our heroes, a Harvard professor and a French cryptographer, search for the answers to a murder and the clues left behind, an extremist sect of the church seeks to destroy all evidence of that which our heroes seek, and the heroes themselves. The best part about the book is that Brown thoroughly researches every aspect of this story. All references and premises are based in fact!
Rating:  Summary: Laughable...and I'm Not Talking About the Book Review: The Da Vinci Code is the best book I've read in a while. It evolves from a simple murder myster to a race for the Holy Grail. Dan Brown does an excellent job of implementing art and history theories into the plot. This book is much more complex and thought-provoking than most of today's popular books. I highly recommend this book to everyone.Oh, one more thing. I'm a Catholic, and I had no problem with this book. I find it amusing that there are so many Catholics on this site that are horribly offended by this book. Lighten up, people. It's not like Dan Brown assassinated the pope.
Rating:  Summary: Da Vinci Code Review: The Da Vinci Code is the best piece of 'fiction' I may have ever read. Having a strong interest in the history of Christ, the Holy Grail, and the Catholic Church.... I was pleasantly surprised to find accurate and informative information within the confines of a work of fiction. This book will teach the reader all they never knew about our history, and perhaps give a new perspective!
Rating:  Summary: Great story with strong attention to detail. Review: The Da Vinci Code is the first of Dan Brown's books that I have read and I truly enjoyed it from the very first page to the last. It was terribly difficult to put down as every single next chapter just becomes more and more intriguing. The chapters are kept short so it is easy to read. There's even some funny moments. It has good build up and an equally good ending. You are kept guessing, who the villians are, although closer to the end it would seem obvious. Still, it has the necessary twists and sub-plots. I liked the book because it was not just an interesting story, it is coupled with strong research into da vinci's works of art, the quest for the holy grail, ancient codes and religious sects etc. While some of the `facts' make sense, the book is still fiction. However, you are left asking yourself, just how much of it is true. That is how well written this book is. It is rare to find a book that is able to marry fact and fiction so well. This has inspired me to read Angels and Demons, and so far so good. And to Mr. Brown, more books with Robert Langdon please. I like his character.
Rating:  Summary: Best Book I Have Read in Years Review: The Da Vinci Code is the most outstanding book I have read in years. Dan Brown's writing style is simply unbelievable. It flows smoothly and he includes just enough detail to make his plot move along perfectly. He is a master of subplots, and the storyline is so thrilling and captivating that the reader is unable to put the book down. His character development is exceptional, and the reader actually feels that he/she is part of the plot rather than merely a witness to it. Clearly, the book is meticulously researched and it is obvious that Dan Brown is an extremely intelligent fellow. This book deserves a 5-star rating without a doubt. The people giving it low scores are probably devout Catholics embarrassed by the sad truths about their Church revealed in this book.
Rating:  Summary: A Great Page Turner Review: The Da Vinci Code is truly a good page turner. Here are the Good Points about the book: Excellent description of all things Euro. Storyline and conspiracy theories make you question, even if it's only for a second, Catholicisim. It will make you look up all things Da Vinci on the the net. Bad Points: The explanation of subjects to an expert in that field already. The guessing games some characters play with one another when time is limited. The inevtiable sexual tension. I don't want to reveal too much so as to ruin it to those who have yet to read it. Overall, I thought the book was great. You simply can't put it down. Dan Brown did a great job of addicting me to all things Da Vinci. Just remember though. It's a novel but only to a certain extent.
Rating:  Summary: aptly enthralling Review: The Da Vinci Code is truly a masterpiece. Ceteris Paribus, the novel Dan Brown has written is a wonderful blend of enlightening facts about the Holy Grail, the tainted world of Catholicism, and much more and weaves it all within a glorious, invigorating tale of several well drawn-up characters. What turned me off from reading the Da Vinci Code at first was in fact the themes involving Catholicism, which would seem like the most boring book in the world to read. But this book enlightens its readers about the amazing true history of the mystery surrounding the Holy Grail, the questionable practices the Church took/takes regarding the grail, and Brown inserts several other useful explanations I would otherwise never have known of. For instance, you learn why Friday the 13th is considered unlucky. You learn about the true genious thought behind Da Vinci's artwork. You learn about the positive and negative faces of the Catholic Church. You learn completely relevant history, and all the while you can't put the book down because the story is so damned gripping! A+ I will read it again. Also, watch out for the movie soon!
Rating:  Summary: Da Vinci Code - over-hyped and over here! Review: The Da Vinci code is undoubtedly a page turner and contains some interesting (though not new) material on Mary Magdalen and the sacred feminine. However, it is extraordinarily badly written with some very cliched characterisation - upper-class villainous Brit - how very Hollywood! A green eyed red haired heroine - how often has she been done? Some good editing, preferably from a non-American would have been helpful. I'm sure no Frenchman would regard the Eiffel tower as the symbol of France - Marianne fulfills that role. And since when has anyone English said 'I'm truly sorry for your loss'. Lastly, scholarly English librarians simply would not indulge in tactless banter with an esteemed American researcher over the wisdom of knighting Rudi Giuliani. Was Dan Brown trying to make a post 9/11 point? Buy this book for its silly frenetic plot and intriguing artistic insights but don't expect great literature.
Rating:  Summary: If You Only Read One Mystery Novel This Year... Review: The Da Vinci Code is valuable more for its ability to interest people in art history and medieval politics than for the story itself. The story is unique and well planned, but the writing itself is not spectacular. Author Dan Brown employs the tried-and-true method of cliffhanger endings for every chapter, misleading characterization that draws suspicion to almost every major character, and a series of fascinating clues that simply yield more twists and turns. This is not necessarily a bad thing--although Brown employs rather routine mystery novel ploys, he does it very well. His mastery of the basic elements of mystery writing makes what would otherwise be a mediocre novel a very intriguing page-turner. I have to admit that I was drawn to this book because of the tempest of controversy surrounding it. Personally, I didn't find the controversy to be warranted. Many of the "scandalous" premises of the novel should already be familiar to anyone who has studied art history, medieval history, or simply the doctrines of the various Christian faiths. The book is recommended by everyone from singer Tori Amos to Laura and George W. Bush. Regardless of one's personal beliefs, this should be interesting book for any reader.
Rating:  Summary: Review for the Da vinchi code Review: The da Vinci code is without a doubt one of the best books I have ever read in my life. The book surpasses all off Dan Browns to date. I would recommend this book to any and all readers of fiction. If you don't read this book you are missing a real treat Overview: Da Vinci: Painter or Secret keeper. That is the plot behind behind The da Vinci code. Was da Vinci merely a painter or did he have a secret. The book starts out with the murder of the curator of the Louve, Jacques Sauniere. When the police finally locate the body, they discover a baffling set of symbols around the body. The police then call in Robert Langdon, one of the world's top symbolists to offer some explanation. The police also contact Sophie Nevu, a well known cryptographer. After learning he is the top suspect in the murder, Robert and Sophie flee. Now on the run from the police and a mysterious man who seems to be able to predict there every move, Sophie and Robert learn that Saunier was a member of the Priory of Sion-a secret brotherhood famous for being the keepers of an ancient secret so powerful it would destabilize Christianity as we know it... Now, I can't be giving too much away! If this has interested you read the book! I would give this book five stars because it combines a bit of everything. It has action, mystery, adventure and logic puzzles. It makes you think ahead and one you start it, you can't put it down! During the climax, you are trying to guess who is the antagonist is. This is difficult because all the characters give you reasons to suspect them. Here is a list of the main characters in the story, their personal traits and if I like them: Robert Langdon Robert is one of my favorite characters of any book I have ever read. He is everything that I want to be and have. He is very smart, he has a great job, big house, a girlfriend, and he goes on lots of adventures. Sophie Nevu I have some admiration for Sophie. She could be better in my opinion, but she does have some good characterticts. She has a well paying job and a big brain, but she does get oblivious questions wrong. Silas I do not like Silas very much. He is a creepy, god obsessed albino monk. He does what ever he is told without question even if it means risking his life. Leigh Teabing I admire Leigh for several reasons. He has been knighted by the queen, he is the world's top historian on the Holy Grail and he lives in a castle in France. Jacques Sauniere I do not know much about him, but I do admire his job: curator of the Louvre. One again I state that this is one of the best works of fiction ever written. If after reading it you find compelled to read other books by Dan Brown, here is a listing. • Digital Fortress • Deception Point • Angels and Demons (Also starring Robert Langdon)
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